Williams was part of the golden era of Welsh rugby in the 1970s
09 January 2024 - 15:11
byAnita Kobylinska
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J P R Williams, Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby legend JPR Williams who has died at the age of 74 on May 24 1971. File Picture: Reg Speller/Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Former Wales and British Lions fullback JPR Williams has died aged 74, Premier Division club Bridgend Ravens said on Monday.
Williams, who was part of the golden era of Welsh rugby in the 1970s, captained Wales and Bridgend.
“Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams,” the club said on social media platform X.
“One of Bridgend’s most decorated players and an icon of world rugby, JPR served the club most recently as club president.”
Williams died on Monday after a brief illness, his family said in a statement reported by the BBC.
“JPR died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children, after a short illness, bravely battling bacterial meningitis,” the statement read.
Williams won 55 caps for his country and represented the British & Irish Lions on eight occasions on two successful tours — to New Zealand in 1971 and 1974 in SA.
“One of the greatest-ever Lions,” the Lions said on X.
“A man who inspired so many. It is with huge sadness to learn that JPR Williams has passed away at the age of 74. All our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Wales great JPR Williams dies aged 74
Williams was part of the golden era of Welsh rugby in the 1970s
Former Wales and British Lions fullback JPR Williams has died aged 74, Premier Division club Bridgend Ravens said on Monday.
Williams, who was part of the golden era of Welsh rugby in the 1970s, captained Wales and Bridgend.
“Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams,” the club said on social media platform X.
“One of Bridgend’s most decorated players and an icon of world rugby, JPR served the club most recently as club president.”
Williams died on Monday after a brief illness, his family said in a statement reported by the BBC.
“JPR died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children, after a short illness, bravely battling bacterial meningitis,” the statement read.
Williams won 55 caps for his country and represented the British & Irish Lions on eight occasions on two successful tours — to New Zealand in 1971 and 1974 in SA.
“One of the greatest-ever Lions,” the Lions said on X.
“A man who inspired so many. It is with huge sadness to learn that JPR Williams has passed away at the age of 74. All our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace.”
Reuters
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